George Couros is an author, speaker and passionate educational leader. I discovered George through his book Innovators Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent and lead a Culture of Creativity. His ideas had me hooked and I now follow his blog, The Principal of Change: Stories of learning and leadership (https://georgecouros.ca/blog/). Three times a week he writes to share ideas, wrestle with his own thoughts, and to create a library of his own thinking. Couros covers topics which challenge educators to empower students to think critically and creatively and to work outside of the box to lead innovation in learning. He writes to challenge traditional thinking and processes so that students and educators can be their personal best. Couros has regular and timely responses to his blog posts, which encourage his thoughts, celebrate a statement or share a personal experience of similar struggles or ideas.
On September 18th he challenged his reading audience with the question “Could a student be doing this?” or “What are you currently doing for your students that they could be doing themselves?” (https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/8534). When students have the opportunity to take on something that is important and real they take pride in their learning and extend themselves far beyond what they might do with an artificial assignment. As a leader I have been reflecting on this idea. The Remembrance Day assembly is an important assembly in our school year. Instead of inviting a speaker or speaking myself as I did last year, I have offered this portion of the assembly to a group of students. It is my hope that their engagement and presentation will be more powerful and meaningful than I would be as a principal.
Asking questions to get better answers This interesting post challenged traditional thinking in a variety of ways. Couros shares of a time when he asked a group of teachers which skill students need more, the ability to write an essay or the ability to write a blog post. Even though some teachers said both are important, Couros challenged them with another question. “Are you teaching both?” (https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/8528). Rather than influencing through power or coercion, Couros suggests asking questions to promote reflection about what is best for students. This approach draws people into a conversation allowing them to be heard. It also allows a school leader or teacher to know what is truly important to the people that will be actually carrying out the work. If this interaction is genuine, then the result will more likely involve growth for all involved.
I value that Couros does not promote forcing ideas or change on educators. He asks questions, listens to the needs of those he works with and develops opportunities for people to reflect on what is best for students. He is not one to prescribe a mold but rather understands that every school culture, classroom of students, or learning activity is unique and should be treated that way. I like that the process is messy and the end may be unknown. For this reason, trusting those we work with is important. Teachers will have to trust students and I as an administrator will also have to trust my teachers, especially if their work takes them outside of the box and toward innovation. This is a model I am working toward as a leader. It is important for me to build trust with my staff and encourage them to move forward. As they do, I will listen, equip and support them.
I find it difficult to describe a way that George Couros could use his blog more effectively. Couros is always driving at creating situations because they are best for students. If it is space in a classroom the motivation is students not Pinterest; if it is a new program in a school, the motivation is students not academic results. This theme continues as he uses his blog effectively to target many topics which challenge educational leaders at any level to be reflecting. Three posts a week provide opportunity to maintain a rhythm without being overwhelmed. His writing is personal and reflective allowing any leader to relate to the experience of being in the trenches. As a speaker, author and blogger he has his bases covered, however I am sure that as a reflective innovator, should his blogging process require an update, he would be on it.
https://georgecouros.ca/blog/
Couros, G.(2015). Innovators Mindset: empower learning, unleash talent and lead a culture of creativity. San Diego. dave burgess consulting.
@GeorgeCouros
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